Bits, Bites, Arts and More about Santa Barbara and beyond

I always got a kick out of Abbott & Costello from the movies to their infamous Who’s on First. This is an homage to that routine by someone much more clever than I am!

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, ‘Who’s on First?’ might have turned out something like this:
COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks I’m setting up an office in my den and I’m thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name’s Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don’t own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name’s Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don’t know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let’s just say I’m sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue ‘W’.

COSTELLO: I’m going to click your blue ‘W’ if you don’t start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? Do you have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That’s right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What’s bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. At no extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn’t it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on ‘START.’
If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, ‘Who’s on First?’ might have turned out something like this:
COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks I’m setting up an office in my den and I’m thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name’s Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don’t own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name’s Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don’t know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let’s just say I’m sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue ‘W’.

COSTELLO: I’m going to click your blue ‘W’ if you don’t start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? Do you have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That’s right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What’s bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. At no extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn’t it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

End of workday yesterday, I went into the parking gargage to go home. Two young men in their 20s were walking away from their car, an SUV of some nondescript make. The owner of the car pushed the auto lock and it beeped. No surprise there, I’ve used that beeping lock sound to find my car in a lot when I can’t recall exactly where I parked. I’ve often called the lock beep my personal Trigger. Well, the next thing that happened is why I titled this post what it is…the SUV started up! I laughed and the guys looked at me. I said “it’s just like Trigger, it’s ready to ride!” That’s when the blank look on their faces clued me in. I said, “you aren’t familiar with who Trigger was or Roy Rogers?” And went on to explain how the Roy only had to whistle and his horse Trigger would be there.

I used to fantasize I was in harm’s way – usually stranded in some desert complete with the saguarro cacti on the landscape – Roy would come in and swoop me onto his horse, Trigger, to save me when that show was in its heyday. His wife Dale could ride as well as her man Roy. She would, of course, welcome me into their ranch home to recuperate.

Maybe the exchange made those guys search for more info on Trigger but probably not.

The name Trigger always brings a smile to my face and I bet more than a few horses must’ve been named after him. If I had a palomino it’d be my first choice.

Do you have a special memory about that TV show? I’d like to hear from you.

Time flies when you’re having fun and it sure has flown by for me looking back on 25 years in business here in Santa Barbara. Where it all began, my office location at El Centro building is coming to an end I’m sorry to say. It’s the only address I’ve had in SB that has not changed over the years.

The Lippincott Family who owned it since 1948 went and sold it to a land baron and his investors for …$8 million dollars. Do ya think the rent will go up? Oh yeah. Mine is increasing nearly four-fold.

Top shot is Siam Carving Academy work in Bangkok, Thailand – friends who make my business logo look delicious!

Second is inside my suite – the great large red knot I rec’d from the Chinese Opera Co. for the great PR work I did for their show at the Lobero. I gave the knot to Lovejoy’s Pickle Room when it opened in October 2013 for more good luck. It looks even better in the new location.

Third down – Paul Wellman photographer for the SB Independent took this of me on the front steps of El Centro for a story on how I made it in SB a few years ago.

Fourth down – Back in the 90’s I was Communications Director for the Lobero Theatre. Santa Barbara Magazine wrote this little item up on me for it’s “Around Town” section.

Five & Six are Shots of the Lobero stage house, and shadows on the walls of the theatre on the dressing room side.

Last shot is the press and ads for the newly opened El Centro in 1929. Caught with a Model T Ford of what might be the same year. My good luck!

I am going to relish the time I have left on my lease – through the end of February 2018.

If you’ve never seen my office, well, it’s not like any other pffice in SB. Been described as a “Tin Pan Alley” office by which I take as a very high compliment. Every inch of wall space is covered with posters from shows I have worked on or people I have worked with at the Lobero as well as other places. Sweet sweet memories!

Even though my downtown era is coming to a close, I’ll still be working. Ready to help you out. Same phone number 805 689 5053 and same e-mail mcmpr101@gmail.com for business inquires.

(August 26, 2017) Santa Barbara has always been both a refuge and an inspiration for artists from all over the world. The natural beauty drew famous artists such as Collin Campbell Cooper in the late 19th century, and has been drawing accomplished professionals ever since. According to the last census, Santa Barbara has the fifth largest population of artists in the country.

Santa Barbara Studio Artists is a nonprofit organization of visual artists who maintain working studios in Santa Barbara County, but whose work shows mainly in other places. Our purpose is to introduce great local artists to a new audience and to increase public awareness of Santa Barbara as an important destination for art and culture.

Karen Fedderson is just one of the 30 artists whose studio you can see – her painting of the pelicans flying over the waves is called “Freedom.”

In addition to their good work, each participant is selected for their exhibition and sales history, and for their interesting studio space. Work ranges from quintessential California landscape to cutting edge abstraction, photography, and sculpture. There are many exciting new artists on the tour this year, so people who like to come every year will have some surprises. One doesn’t need to travel to New York or Santa Fe to discover a wealth of great art, one just have to know where to look.

This mosaic fish is by the award-winning Betsy Gallery.

This painting is by Diane Giles and is titled “What She Said”

Come to the 10 West Gallery at 10 W. Anapamu Street in downtown Santa Barbara to see one piece from each participating artist on Labor Day weekend only. Pick up your Tour Passes and Map this way, you can choose the artists you most want to visit, and use the map provided to seek out varied locations from the hills of Montecito to downtown neighborhoods out to the Santa Ynez Valley. SBSA OST is a self-guided driving tour to the professional artists who call Santa Barbara home.

Look for the yellow flags displayed at each location. Here SBSA President Dorothy Churchill-Johnson with the flags in front of one of her paintings.

ABOUT: More than 40 professional artists open their studios to the public for three days on the Labor Day weekend. Talk with the artists in their private studios and learn more about their creative process. Everything from classic plein air landscapes, contemporary, figurative and abstract, to sculpture and assemblage will be on the three-day self-guided driving tour steering visitors to great art in interesting locations from the Funk Zone to beautiful estates in one of the most popular destinations in the world. The William Sansum Diabetes Center is the beneficiary this year.

For years, Willy Gilbert created one of the coolest soundtracks with his extensive collection of jazz CDs and coming in Wednesday night 6:30 – 11 pm, the soulful jazz duo of John Schnackenberg & Cougar Estrada are going to be “Willy’s live juke box” as Schnack said to me… they’ll be playing with vocalist Liz Barnitz too — she’s a jem of a singer. Stop in and catch the jazz groove and enjoy a classic cocktail.

Three events in five days that were as varied as could be. Lots of press breaks to advance the info – first up was a presentation by an expert in PTSD with a new book out, a luncheon/symposium on the 70th Anniversary of Iwo Jima and the public screening of the documentary on Jimmy’s where I was Mistress of Ceremonies. Every event was so well-attended. When I got to Sunday – and really had no idea of how many would show – walking into the house and seeing it full, put the cap on a powerful week for me. I cried. Happy tears. Oh, and I got another client a TV news story as a new business in between the events that just aired tonight in 6pm news. Not too shabby.

WITH SPECIAL GUEST: PRODUCER/DIRECTOR STEVE BINDER
AT THE PLAZA PLAYHOUSE IN CARPINTERIA

(Carpinteria, CA) Elvis Presley would have turned 80 on January 8, 2015. To commemorate the anniversary of the King’s birth, the Plaza Playhouse Theater in Carpinteria will screen an extended cut of the Elvis Comeback TV Special on January 10, 2015 at 7pm. The special had a one time only showing on NBC-TV on December 3rd, 1968 and was the highest rated program of its type. This is Elvis at the top of his game and looking great in a sleek all black leather outfit, to match his jet black hair in the traditional pompadour for most of the show. Dancer’s costumes and make-up are vintage 60s. All his #1 hits are included in the show and this screening adds more footage not used on the TV special. Running time is 90 minutes.
At a get acquainted meeting in the spring of 1968, Steve Binder—recently tapped to direct an upcoming Christmas TV Special with Elvis Presley—was asked by the King of Rock N’ Roll where he saw the singer’s career at the moment. Binder, knowing that Presley hadn’t had a chart making hit in a number of years and that his last TV performance was nearly seven years before, jokingly replied, “In the toilet.”
Surprisingly, Presley didn’t take offense to the comment, but instantly took a liking to the honesty expressed by Binder which then launched the two of them into collaborating on what would become a record breaking show by the end of the year. Simply called “Elvis,” the 1968 TV special became better known as “The Comeback Special.” Elvis’ popularity soared and he roared back into the public eye.
As initially conceived by Col. Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager, and several executives of NBC, it was to be a show that would feature primarily carols, hymns and gospel songs. Binder bluntly told Elvis it must showcase the huge hits he had made so popular over the past 12 years and it should be staged in an intimate setting, with Elvis surrounded by the audience. Elvis agreed, but Parker angrily rejected the idea and wanted Binder fired, however, he too came around to accepting the concept.
Proceeds from this show will be for the theater’s “Big Screen” campaign. Peter Bie, PP board member said “This will be the final push for the money to buy the big screen and all the accessories needed to complete the experience.”
Get the inside story behind the making of the special, fraught with all kinds of off stage troubles and his mutually respectful relationship with Presley, as told by Binder in a Q&A that will follow the showing of the special.
When Steve was at the Plaza in August for a screening of “The T.A.M.I. Show” it sold out 24 hours in advance and everyone who was lucky enough to be in the house said, “Bring back Steve Binder!” Find out how TV handled the new craze of rock n’ roll music with the man who broke all the rules and a few barriers along the way.
Tickets for this one night event are $20 and available in person at Seastrand, 919 Linden Ave., Carpinteria during regular business hours (cash or check only). You can also buy online at plazatheatercarpinteria.com.
The Plaza Playhouse Theater is located at 4916 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013. Phone: (805) 684-6380. Free parking nearby. The box office will be open on Saturday, January 10 from noon until the start of the show at 7pm to accommodate last minute ticket purchases. Wheelchair accessible.
www. PlazaTheaterCarpinteria.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_(1968_TV_program) In Steve Binder’s Bio: 1968 would be the year that Steve conceived, produced and directed Elvis Presley in the highly acclaimed ratings winner for NBC, most often referred to as “The Comeback Special.” Legendary record producer Bones Howe handled all the recording chores for the show. TV Guide called it “the second greatest musical moment in television history next to the Beatles debut on Ed Sullivan.” Steve’s 2008 book on the making of the Elvis special, “’68 at 40–A Retrospective,” tells the inside story of how Elvis initially reacted to Binder and the working relationship that developed between the two.